Yoga is stilling of the changing states of the mind”.
PATANJALI (YOGA SUTRA 1.2)
Recently I’ve noticed whenever someone asks me what *yoga* is I answer this question differently. Often I think about the suitable answer for that person, the answer she or he is able to accept at current point of life. Although it also keeps changing inside of me.
During my personal yoga journey I think I’ve read over a hundred different definition of this word. Western world still sees it as a physical exercises, mostly stretching. More aware people say it’s a philosophy, a mind and body practice. It involves movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to promote mental and physical well-being. What else can it be?
The word “yoga” comes from the word “yuj”, meaning “to join.” Sometimes its also translated into: “to connect”, “to unite” or “to weave together the threads of the mind”.
The Bhagavad Gita says:
Yoga is mastery of the mind.
Yoga is the method of reaching the non-dreaming mind. It is an ability of being “here and now”. Yoga teaches us to be always present. Yoga means a state in which our full attention is focused on the activity we are actually engaged. Yoga is the ability to run your mind without being distracted and out of control.
It is the art of being.
Yoga is achieving what was previously unattainable. Every change is yoga. Yoga is an every action we take besides our comfort zone to grow.
Yoga is a union – union of body and mind, and also a union with Self and a union with God.
Still, my grandma says it’s a devil’s thing.
